Dog lovers mad over chihuahua thefts

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese pet owners are howling over a spate of thefts of
chihuahuas, the country's most popular dog thanks to a series of TV
commercials that starred one of the cuddly Mexican canines.

The dog-nappings, from condominiums and houses across Tokyo over several
months, show the dark side of a pet boom in Japan, where the number of dogs
and cats exceeds the number of children.

So strong is demand for chihuahuas that supply can't keep up, allowing
unscrupulous individuals a chance to collar part of the market.

Because there is no official system to record their origins, the loveable
lapdogs are much easier to sell than stolen jewels and, with a price tag of
some $2,000 (1,200 pounds). almost as enticing.

One victim, Daisuke Kiuchi, took a month to get over the theft of his
chihuahua, Michelle, in June.

"I kept thinking that if I called, the dog would appear from somewhere in
the house," said the 27-year-old Tokyo resident. "My wife stopped work and
went back to her mother's because of the shock."

Kiuchi's Web site, dedicated to getting Michelle back, has been flooded with
condolences and advice. "Unforgiveable," opined several contributors.
"Stealing a dog is the same as kidnapping a person," said another.

"Have you tried a private detective?" one offered.

The site also has links to pleas for the return of Tink and Koyuki, two
other recently pilfered pooches, as well as a message of hope from the owner
of Beckham, found earlier this month dumped miles from his home in the north
of the city.

A Tokyo Metropolitan Police spokesman couldn't provide information on the
thefts or whether there were any leads.


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